Cryostat System for Spacecraft Materials Testing

An existing space environment simulation test chamber used in the study of electron emission, sample charging and discharge, electrostatic discharge and arcing, electron transport, and luminescence of spacecraft materials now has extended temperature control capabilities. By incorporating a two-stage, closed-cycle helium cryostat, it is now possible to simulate the temperature typical spacecraft will experience when in orbit, ranging from \u3c 40 K to \u3e 450 K. The system was designed to maintain compatibility with an existing ultrahigh vacuum chamber that can simulate diverse space environments. This vacuum chamber can simulate space environment conditions by producing the same pressure, amount of electrons, electromagnetic radiation and temperature a typical satellite may experience when in orbit. For testing, multiple cameras are positioned to view the spacecraft sample to measure the amount of light that may be emitted from the sample. This is important, especially for space-based optical observatories where light contamination is of concern. The cryostat system can also be adapted for use in other test facilities, as well as in a standalone configuration for specific tests that involve low-temperature electronic conductivity tests